A bipartisan bill honoring the late Shirley Chisholm, the nation’s first black congresswoman, became law last week after a final flurry of bills passed in the 118th Congress.
President Joe Biden signed the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act Thursday, honoring Chisholm, who died in 2005, with Congress’ highest award for outstanding service and accomplishments.
A few days ago, the bill’s two lead sponsors, Vice President Kamala Harris, D-Calif. Sen. Laphonza Butler and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif. and signed the event as the president of the US Senate.
“I don’t see anyone more deserving than Shirley Chisholm,” Lee added. “It’s critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition she deserves.”
Butler, who resigned last week to make way for incoming Sen. Adam Schiff, said Chisholm “left a mark on our nation’s history that demands recognition.”
“It was an honor to stand with Vice President Kamala Harris as she signed this historic bill into law,” Lee said. Chisholm became a mentor to Lee as a college student, and Lee established his own career in public service.
Highlighting Chisholm’s “patriotism, leadership and commitment to our nation,” Butler added, “She truly earned it with her service to New York and our nation.”
Under the legislation, the gold medal belongs to the management of the US Treasury Department and will be minted with Chisholm’s image, name and “appropriate” emblems and inscriptions. It will be donated to the Smithsonian Institution and displayed at Chisholm-related events and venues. Duplicates can be minted and sold to the public.
The daughter of Caribbean immigrants with roots in Barbados and Guyana, Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and a master’s degree from Columbia University, he worked in education and social service. Chisholm would later seek a seat in the New York State Assembly, becoming its second Black representative after being elected in 1964. Two years later, she helped found the National Organization for Women.
When the activist decided to run for Congress, she endured ridicule and threats, but tireless campaigning helped “Fighting Shirley” win the seat in 1968, with the slogan “Unbought and Unbossed.” After taking the oath, he quickly rose to fame. to be an outspoken advocate for civil rights, gender equality and the upliftment of the vulnerable and marginalized.
The Democrat has introduced nearly 50 bills in seven terms, ranging from immigration reform and child support demands to federal lands for Native American tribes. He was vocal on issues that included ending the Vietnam War and providing safety nets such as food stamps for families. While serving on the Agriculture Committee, he collaborated with colleagues such as Sen. Bob Dole, Republican of Kansas, to help develop the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC.
Chisholm broke new ground in 1972 with her high-profile campaign for President of the United States; once again, she paved the way, this time as the first Black candidate and Black woman to seek the nomination of a major political party.
In 1983, the deputy retired and moved to Florida. Ten years later, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as his administration’s ambassador to Jamaica, but health problems reportedly prevented him from making the appointment. She died on New Year’s Day 2005 at the age of 80 and was buried next to her husband, former state assemblyman Arthur Hardwick, in Buffalo, New York.
The same year he died, then-Rep. Charles Rangel, DN.Y. — who co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus with Chisholm — introduced the first of several bills designed to celebrate his life and legacy. Lee later introduced a series of congressional events to honor Chisholm.
During CBC’s “Special Order Hour” on the House floor this month, Lee recounted those efforts years ago. Before he died, Lee called his mentor from the House closet and urged him to watch the proceedings on C-Span, as members passed an earlier resolution to honor Chisholm. Lee recalled Chisholm’s initial concern as the votes were being counted, asking her, “Barbara, where are the Republicans? I have always worked very closely with the Republicans…”
Quickly convinced that GOP members were on board, Lee said Chisholm was “relieved.” I mean, that’s how seriously he took his bipartisanship.
Now, this year, which marks Chisholm’s 100th birthday, support for the gold medal has come from both sides of the aisle.
Along with Lee, the bill includes House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as well as Reps. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y. and led by members including Byron Donalds, R-Fla. .
Senate companion legislation D-Ga. It was introduced by Butler and Raphael Warnock and passed with bipartisan support. Democrats, Republicans and independents voted for it in both chambers.
During the CBC event, member after member stopped by to share fond memories of Chisholm. Several young representatives, including Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill. and Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, expressed their respect and gratitude.
“I couldn’t help but think that Shirley Chisholm was looking down on all of us and telling her how proud she was that we got here,” U.S. Rep. D-Fla. told her colleagues. “We have a lot of work to do. What he started, I hope our generation should finish. Working together and we all recognize his hard work on both sides.”
